[LACOMBE, Jacques (1724-1811), editor]. Dictionnaire Encyclopédique des amusemens des sciences, mathématiques et physiques. Paris: Chez Panckouke, 1792. 4to text volume and folio atlas. Intertextual illustrations and two folding tables in text volume and 81 (out of 86) single and double-page engraved plates in atlas. Both volumes bound in modern plain boards, brown gilt morocco lettering labels on spines, leaves untrimmed at edges. Some soiling, wear, occasional dampstaining to text and plates. ROBERT-HOUDIN’S INSPIRATION. It is said that from a copy of this treatise - given to him by mistake in his formative years – Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin first learned the principles of conjuring. The book explains and illustrates many of the principles and scientific methods that would play an important role in the “father of modern magic’s” later life, including sleight-of-hand techniques as well as the working of various magnetic devices, automatons, and mechanical contrivances which would feature prominently in his career before the public.